Public Charge: What you need to know and how to take action

On October 10, 2018 the Department of Homeland Security published the official notice of its proposed change to the public charge rule. Publication of the rule has opened up a 60 day comment period, ending on December 10, 2018.

This proposed regulation would dramatically broaden the “public charge” test that has been a part of federal immigration law for decades. If the rule is ­finalized in its proposed form, this would mark a significant and harmful departure from the current policy. For over a hundred years, the government has recognized that work supports like health care and nutrition help families thrive and remain productive. And decades ago the government clarified that immigrant families can seek health and nutrition benefits without fearing that doing so will harm their immigration case. If this rule is finalized, we can no longer offer that assurance.

PICC and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia are partnering to ensure immigrant and refugee communities in PA have a voice in this process.